If your toddler experiences diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating or gas approximately 30 minutes to two hours after breast-feeding or consuming milk, he may have an intolerance to lactose, the natural sugar in milk. According to "Pediatric Views," a publication from the Children's Hospital Boston, lactose intolerance is extremely rare in toddlers before the age of 2.
Physiology
Lactose is a complex sugar that your body cannot physically digest in its full form. Your small intestine produces an enzyme called lactase, which breaks down lactose into simple sugars that your body is able to digest. If a toddler is lactose intolerant, his small intestine does not produce adequate amounts of lactase. As a result, lactose moves through the digestive system in its full form. When it reaches the large intestine, bacteria begin to feed on the sugar, producing hydrogen and other gases as byproducts. These gases are responsible for the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Causes
Some toddlers may be born without the ability to produce lactase. This condition is called congenital lactose intolerance. Other toddlers may experience a natural decline in lactase production, which is called primary lactose intolerance. According to "Pediatric Views," lactase production typically declines between the ages of 2 and 18, although it is rare for a toddler to experience lactose intolerance.
Treatment
There is no way to cure lactose intolerance. The only way to prevent the symptoms of lactose intolerance is to remove lactose from the diet.
"Pediatric Views" notes that you should never put your toddler on a restricted diet without instructions from your doctor or a dietitian. The proper growth and development of your child is dependent on the right amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, many of which are found in milk. If your doctor does recommend removing milk and milk products from your child's diet, it is important to add other sources of calcium, vitamin D, protein and fat into the diet.
Milk Allergy
It is important to note that lactose intolerance in toddlers differs from a milk allergy, which is more common in toddlers. A milk allergy is characterized by an abnormal immune system response and cause potentially deadly complications. If your toddler experiences wheezing, swelling, hives or bloody diarrhea after milk consumption, he may have an allergy to milk. In some cases, a milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical treatment. If you suspect that your toddler is allergic to milk, contact your doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
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